Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a general classification
of psychotherapy, and several approaches to CBT fall within this
classification, including Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy,
Cognitive Therapy, Rational Behavior Therapy, Rational Living
Therapy, Schema Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior
Therapy. Each approach has its own developmental history.
The following is a generally accepted accounting of the history
of CBT.

The first discrete, intentionally therapeutic approach to CBT to
be developed was Rational Emotive Therapy (RET), which
was originated by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. in the mid-1950's.
Ellis developed his approach in reaction to his disliking of the
in-efficient and in-directive nature of Psychoanalysis.
The philosophic origins of RET go back to the Stoic
philosophers, including Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius.
Epictetus wrote in The Enchiridion, "Men are disturbed
not by things, but by the view which they take of them."
The modern psychotherapist most influential to the development
of RET was Alfred Adler (who developed Individual Psychology).
Adler, a neo-Freudian, stated, "I am convinced that a person's
behavior springs from his ideas." Ellis was also
influenced by behaviorists, such as John Dollard, Neal
Miller, and Joseph Wolpe, and George Kelly (psychology of
personal constructs).

Ellis developed and popularized the ABC model of emotions, and
later modified the model to the A-B-C-D-E approach. In the
1990's Ellis renamed his approach Rational Emotive Behavior
Therapy.

In the 1960's, Aaron Beck, M.D. developed his approach
called Cognitive Therapy. Beck's approach became
known for its effective
treatment of depression.

Also in the 1960's Maxie C. Maultsby, Jr., M.D. (a
student of Ellis') developed Rational Behavior Therapy.
Maultsby's contributions were numerous, including his emphasis
on client rational self-counseling skills and therapeutic
homework. Maultsby's contributions included his concept of
"thought shorthand", to which he refers as "attitudes",
Rational Emotive Imagery, Rational Self-Analysis, and the Five
Criteria for Rational Behavior.